Boko Haram Has Taken Over Michika, Madagali – Rep Affirms

BY: SAYO AKINTOLA
In spite of the acclaimed routing of the insurgents by the Nigerian Army in the North east region of Nigeria, a member representing Madagali/Michika federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Titsi Ganama Kwagga, has painted a distressing picture of situation in Michika and Madagali, affirming that Boko Haram members are holding sway in the areas.
Kwagga who made this known in an interview described his constituency as a ‘no-go-area.
He said, “Today it is over three weeks since the insurgents invaded the area and the situation is getting even worse. It is really an issue of humanitarian crisis; people are dying and nobody to bury the dead because everybody has ran to the mountains for safety.
“People are now dying of hunger while the insurgents are still in full control of the town. They have fully occupied the place and are killing people and burning houses. The situation is really getting worse.
On efforts made so far to quell the situation, Kwagga said: “I have personally made various representations even on the floor of the House.
“When we resumed for this session it was the security challenges facing the country that was the first issue we discussed and every member; particularly from the affected areas made their contributions. I also made my contribution and as at that time, it was just one week into the crisis.
While calling on the federal government to deploy military troops to salvage the situation, Kwagga said with the current situation it was doubtful if the by-election could be conducted in the area.
“Nobody can have access to Michika and Madagali now. Even if the relevant agencies are willing to take relief materials there they cannot gain access; the place has been completely taken over by the insurgents and nobody can enter.”
“As long as the place is not secured, there is virtually no other way. The only way out is for the federal government to mobilize and deploy troops to free that place.
“As far as I am concerned, my constituency is a no-go area now. I don’t know what will happen between now and the day of the election but as I am talking to you, I don’t know how an election can be conducted in a place under siege”, he said.